Headphones, earphones, stereophones -- whatever you like to call them, you need a good-quality pair in order to enjoy your music on the go. Generic earbuds haven't really been adequate since sometime in 2001. Koss has been manufacturing headphones since the 1950s, and it's known for high-quality, high-value equipment. Not only are Koss headphones highly regarded, they're backed by a limited lifetime guarantee.
PortaPro
The PortaPros have appeared on "best headphone" lists from electronic authorities like CNET and Digital Trends. The latter called them an "established favorite among headphone lovers in the know," stating "at a $50 asking price, these units' value is as relevant now as it was in the '80s." Meanwhile, CNET gave them a four-star rating stating: "Koss hit a home run with the PortaPros."
The PortaPros are headphones that Koss has produced since 1984, and according to the company, are its most requested model. They're meticulously crafted to deliver rich bass and a wide frequency range while limiting mechanical distortion by the moving elements inside each earpiece. As of fall 2010, they cost $50 per pair.
KSC75
Significantly cheaper than the Porta-Pros, but still a tight, accurate set of headphones, the Koss KSC75 were voted among the best headphones for running and jogging by Headphone.com and were also voted the best budget headphones by ConsumerSearch.com. The KSC75 headphones include ear clips that keep them in place, a factor that helped them earn their rank in Headphone.com's list. The price of just $20 per pair led both publications on this list to give them high marks for good sound at a price.
Pro4AA Titanium
Another high-rated headphone on CNET, the Koss Pro4AA Titanium earned 3.5 stars from both editors and readers. The site gave high marks for the detailed, realistic sound the headphones delivered. The full-size, pro-quality headphones feature a sturdy build with steel and rubber that inspires confidence in durability. Koss introduced the model back in 1970, canceled it during the next decade, and then brought it back in 1988 due to demand by customers. Designed to combine comfort with accurate, isolated sound the Pro4AAs include elements like a coiled eight-foot cord and titanium-coated high-polymer diaphragms. The cost in 2010 was $100.
Tags: high marks, Pro4AA Titanium